Federal Rules - Lawsuit

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — An Orthodox rabbi from Pennsylvania wants a federal judge to stop the state's Board of Funeral Directors from requiring the participation of licensed funeral directors in funerals that don't involve embalming.

Rabbi Daniel Wasserman sued board members and other state officials Monday over what he claims is a recent enforcement effort that infringes on religious freedoms and the right to equal protection under the law.

The 41-page complaint says the law has been enforced selectively against Jews while Amish funeral practices aren't subject to the same regulations. It says the state agency's actions have had a chilling effect on the Pittsburgh Orthodox community's burial rites and practices.